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Cleveland Indians Have Problems in Houston in ALDS Game 1

Manager Terry Francona #77 of the Cleveland Indians takes Corey Kluber #28 out of the game in the fifth inning against the Houston Astros during Game One of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on October 5, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Oct. 4, 2018 - Source: Tim Warner/Getty Images North America) — by Scott Piker

Houston was a problem for the Cleveland Indians Friday afternoon in game one of the American League Division Series. No pun intended.

Corey Kluber did not look like a two time Cy Young award winning pitcher. The offense could only record two hits. Cleveland loses game one to the reigning World Series champion Houston Astros 7-2.

Kluber allowed four runs in four and two thirds innings pitched. The Astros took the reigning American League Cy Young award winner deep three times on the afternoon. Alex Bregman got Houston on the board in the 4th inning with a solo home run. George Springer and Jose Altuve hit back to back solo home runs in the 5th inning to end Kluber's day.

Kluber's earned run average in his last four playoff starts is over ten. Compare that to his first six playoff starts where Kluber's earned run average was under one.

The offense couldn't figure out former Most Valuable Player Justin Verlander either. Verlander was almost perfect for the first five innings. A first inning walk to Jose Ramirez accounted for the Indians only base runner for the the first five innings.

Yan Gomes tallied the Indians first hit off Verlander, an opposite field single to right in the the 6th. Gomes would come around and eventually score on a wild pitch by reliever Ryan Pressly to end the shut out.

Game two is scheduled for 4:37 p.m. Eastern Time, 3:37 p.m. Houston time Saturday at Minute Maid Park. Carlos Carrasco pitches for Cleveland. Houston will counter with Gerrit Cole.